Fairbanks tour guide sentenced for operating without a permit

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - A Fairbanks man was sentenced to pay a fine for operating a guide company on federal land that is owned by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) without a permit.

40-year-old Jun Liang, the sole owner of AK Aurora Travel Inc. sold and operated tours to visitors in Alaska without a permit, even after being told by officials he needed a permit to do so legally, according to court documents.

Alaska law requires, “tour operators to have a Special Use Permit to sell or operate tours on BLM land.”

Federal Magistrate Judge Scott Oravec said “it was important to understand that it is unlawful to operate tours on BLM land without a permit.” Liang was warned that more serious consequences could result if he continued to unlawfully operate more tours.

“Unlawful tours pose a threat to unwitting tourists and natural resources,” said BLM Law Enforcement Ranger Joseph Crane. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that BLM and its partner agencies are committed to protecting federal land and pursuing those whose illegal acts threaten our natural resources and endanger visitors.”

The sentencing occurred on March 1, 2023. U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska made the announcement.

The Bureau of Land Management investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas M. Walker prosecuted the case.